Horticulturist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Advanced horticultural technologies

Dynamic team environment

Career advancement

Employee discounts

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to manage operations in a Centurion greenhouse. The role requires deep knowledge of plant physiology, controlled environment agriculture, and best practices to optimize growth, health and quality of crops.

You will oversee propagation, irrigation and fertigation, environmental controls, IPM, record‑keeping, staff supervision, and safety protocols. A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and at least four years of greenhouse experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of greenhouse management or commercial horticulture experience.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, nutrient management, and pest/disease control in controlled environments.
• Experience with automated environmental control systems and fertigation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiar with a wide range of ornamental plants, vegetables, or fruits.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute propagation and cultivation schedules for various plant species within the greenhouse environment.
• Monitor and adjust environmental controls, including temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels, to optimize plant growth.
• Manage nutrient delivery systems (fertigation) to provide plants with essential nutrients at critical growth stages.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies, including scouting, identification, and treatment.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments and take corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of all growing activities, including environmental data, nutrient application, pest observations, and yield.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including irrigation systems, environmental controllers, and monitoring devices.
• Assist in the selection and trialing of new plant varieties and growing media.
• Supervise and train junior horticultural staff or greenhouse technicians.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation protocols within the greenhouse.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Record keeping

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Horticulturist to manage and optimize operations within their state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is perfect for an individual with a deep understanding of plant physiology, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), and horticultural best practices. You will be responsible for the cultivation, propagation, and care of a wide range of plant species, ensuring optimal growth conditions, health, and quality. The Horticulturist will play a key role in implementing innovative growing techniques, managing irrigation and nutrient systems, and overseeing pest and disease control within the greenhouse. This position requires a blend of scientific knowledge, practical skills, and meticulous attention to detail. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the productivity and success of our client's high-value horticultural products. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where horticultural expertise thrives and contributes to sustainable and efficient plant production. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate horticulturist looking to advance their career.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute propagation and cultivation schedules for various plant species within the greenhouse environment.
• Monitor and adjust environmental controls, including temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels, to optimize plant growth.
• Manage nutrient delivery systems (fertigation) to provide plants with essential nutrients at critical growth stages.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies, including scouting, identification, and treatment.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments and take corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of all growing activities, including environmental data, nutrient application, pest observations, and yield.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including irrigation systems, environmental controllers, and monitoring devices.
• Assist in the selection and trialing of new plant varieties and growing media.
• Supervise and train junior horticultural staff or greenhouse technicians.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation protocols within the greenhouse.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of practical experience in greenhouse management or commercial horticulture.
• Proven knowledge of plant physiology, nutrient management, and pest/disease control in controlled environments.
• Experience with automated environmental control systems and fertigation is essential.
• Familiarity with a wide range of ornamental plants, vegetables, or fruits depending on the client's focus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent record-keeping and documentation abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• A passion for plants and a commitment to sustainable horticultural practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry workshops.
• Access to advanced horticultural technologies and research.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on innovation.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Employee discounts on horticultural products.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Contribution to a greener future through sustainable practices.